For the last three years, since William Durbec was diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, he and his wife, Victoria, have been seeking justice for the harm they’ve both suffered. Last month, a New York jury awarded Mr. Durbec $78 million for his past and future pain and suffering, and an additional $39 million to Mrs. Durbec for her past and future loss of consortium. Individually and together, the awards are record-breaking.
New York Jury Hears Details of Mesothelioma Victim’s Asbestos Exposure
The Durbec’s original mesothelioma lawsuit named World Trade Center contractor Mario & DiBono Plastering Co., The Port Authority (which owned the building), and Tishman Realty & Construction Co., which supervised the building’s construction. Testimony presented to the jury detailed Mr. Dubec’s responsibilities as a metal worker in the 1970s, including scraping off fireproofing in the building while installing ducts.
By the time the mesothelioma claim reached the New York jury, Mario & DiBono was the only remaining defendant. The Durbec’s claim is not the first against the contractor: The company was ordered to pay $28.5 million to a pipefitter and $12.5 million to three construction workers who were exposed as the World Trade Center was erected.
Combined $117 Million Mesothelioma Award Is Highest Ever in New York
According to the Durbecs’ representative, Mr. Durbec’s $78 million award is the highest any individual asbestos plaintiff has been awarded in New York, and the couple’s $117 million combined award has also set a record. While the jury agreed that Mario & DiBono had acted recklessly in its failure to exercise reasonable care, the family’s representative noted that the jurors were also touched by the tremendous suffering the couple had endured over the last three years as Mr. Durbec endured chemotherapy, multiple surgeries, and immunotherapy.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net are here to help. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608 to learn more.
